What is "secretariate"

Secretariat \Sec`re*ta"ri*at\, Secretariate \Sec`re*ta"ri*ate\, n. [F. secr['e]tariat.] The office of a secretary; the place where a secretary transacts business, keeps records, etc.

n. (alternative spelling of secretariat English)

n. an administrative unit responsible for maintaining records and other secretarial duties; especially for international organizations [syn: secretariat]